A Better Sleep Environment Can Help You Sleep

You might not realize this, but your sleep environment can have a profound effect on the quality of your sleep. Here are some tips from MyNutritionStore.com to help create the ideal sleep environment.

Circadian Rhythm and Sleep

Internally, circadian rhythm is influenced by an 'internal clock' located in the part of brain called the hypothalamus. Specifically, two large clusters of neurons situated on either side of the brain called the Suprachiasmatic nuclei or SCN is considered the body's master clock.

Daytime Habits That Help You Sleep

Read on to see which bad daytime habits you've developed that may be impacting the quality of your sleep. Then realize that you'll sleep better simply by making a few changes in your routine.

How Much Sleep Do We Need?

The number of hours of sleep we need on a daily basis varies depending on our ages and our current state of health. If we expect the sleep we do get to be beneficial, those hours of sleep must consist of quality sleep.

Insomnia - Causes, Types and Diagnosis

Insomnia – the inability to fall asleep at night or to sleep soundly throughout the night – can be temporary or persistent and can have many causes.

Melatonin and Sunlight

Melatonin is a hormone that is secreted by the pineal gland located at the base of the brain. It is secreted at varying levels throughout the day and its release helps to regulate the body's sleep-wake cycle.

Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movements In Sleep

Although the problem itself does not seem to cause or aggravate any other medical conditions, the frequent limb movements can cause a disruption in a person's sleep. In fact, it can lead to significant insomnia, which can have adverse affects.

Sleep and Shift Work

When people talk about shift work, most focus on the benefits, of which there are many. To the employees working hours that aren't considered 'normal', something other than Monday through Friday from 9 am - 5 pm, shift work means greater flexibility in scheduling. To employers, shift work means staying competitive, especially in an increasingly global marketplace.

Sleep Apnea - Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment of sleep apnea are two very important steps in bringing sleep apnea under control.

Sleep Apnea - Symptoms and Causes

Sleep apnea deprives the body of sleep and also of oxygen. If left untreated it will get worse. High blood pressure can develop as can other types of cardiovascular disease. Sleep apnea can become so severe that it could endanger your life.

Sleep Hygiene – Preparing for sleep

Sleep hygiene therefore, is about the habits you can get into and the things you can do to help ensure that when it's time for you to go to bed, you are able to fall asleep and stay asleep. What follows is a list of ways you can improve your sleep hygiene so that you can get the most out of your sleeping time.

The Stages of Sleep/REM

Five stages of sleep have been identified, and on a good night's sleep you pass through all of them, several times. Although there are 5 distinct stages, the first four stages are grouped together and classified as the state of non-rapid eye movement or NREM. The fifth stage is considered the state of rapid eye movement or the REM stage.